Elgin National Watch Co. was in operation from 1864-1968 and was an American pocket watch manufacturer. Manufacturing of Elgin watches took place at their facility in Elgin, Illinois.
Flawless porcelain enamel has rarely looked this striking. The dial is simple yet intricately detailed, with the Elgin insignia unfurled across an elegant scroll curled gracefully at both ends. Roman numerals are crisp, well-proportioned, and easy to read, while the heat-blued hands bring a vibrant, iridescent contrast against the pristine white enamel. Perfectly balanced in its layout and remarkably preserved after more than a century, this dial captures the height of Elgin’s early 20th-century artistry. Behind this showpiece dial beats an equally significant movement. Completed in 1904 in Elgin, Illinois, this timepiece marks the final year of production for Elgin’s Grade 216 — a 15-jewel movement produced only until 1904. It features an exposed mainspring barrel and dramatic damaskeening that creates depth and motion across the plates. Every detail has been meticulously revived: screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional technique that strengthens the steel while adding a vivid, iridescent finish (read more here). Each jewel setting, gear train component, balance, and balance weight was individually polished by hand to restore its original warm golden glow.
The movement is set in a our 40 mm conversion case crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel. This size offers a balanced fit on the wrist, making it one of the most versatile proportions available in any conversion. The case is built with crown and caseback gaskets, tested to 50 meters of water resistance, though removal before swimming or showering is recommended. Fully serviced and regulated, this watch is ready for years of reliable wear and appreciation.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Elgin
Location: Elgin, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1904
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 10486861
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.